Method For Bonding Prepared Substrates For Roadways Using A Low-Tracking Asphalt Emulsion Coating

ABSTRACT

A method for bonding together an existing substrate layer and a pavement layer, such that a strong adhesive bond is formed by using a tack coat, provided by an asphalt emulsion, in between the layers as the bond coat. The tack coat layer is a low-tracking coating which cures quickly such that the pavement layer may be applied to the substrate, hours to days after the emulsion is applied to the substrate. The asphalt emulsion comprises at least a first phase of from about 30% to about 70% of an asphalt composition, about 30% to about 70% water, and about 0.1% to about 3.0% emulsifying agent, stabilizer and/or additives, or 0.1% to about 30% if polymeric or other additives are also included.

FIELD

This invention relates generally to a method providing an adhesive tackcoat for use between pavement layers, such as between layers ofasphaltic compositions or between layers of asphaltic materials andother paving or base materials.

BACKGROUND

Many pavement structures comprise multiple layers of pavementcompositions that are applied to a prepared base or foundation. Suchpavement structures may include successive layers of pavement materialsapplied to a base or foundation to build a multi-layer compositestructure suitable for use as a vehicle roadway, parking lot or othersimilar traffic bearing structure. In many instances, such multi-layerstructures may comprise one or more layers of asphaltic materialsapplied to a first, second, third or successive pavement layer. Theasphaltic layers typically comprise a binder material containingasphalts, tars and/or other binders, an aggregate rock, shell, recycledpavement materials, or similar materials, and various additives,fillers, etc.

In constructing pavement structures with one or more asphaltic layers,it is often necessary to lay each asphaltic layer down on a precedingpavement layer in a predetermined sequence, with a bonding materialbetween the layers. The bonding material, which also may be referred toas a tack coat, acts to provide a degree of adhesion or bonding betweenthe layers, and in some instances, may fuse the layers together. Thetack coat also acts to reduce slippage and sliding of the layersrelative to other layers in the pavement structure during use or due towear and weathering of the pavement structure.

Pavement and road surfaces also require regular maintenance to repairnormal wear and tear of the roadway due to vehicular or pedestriantraffic, the effect of weather and environmental conditions, and otherfactors. In some applications, all or a portion of the traffic bearingsurface may be removed through grinding, stripping or other means, and anew pavement layer is applied to the prepared structure. In otherapplications, a new pavement layer is placed down on top of the existingpavement structure to provide a new or renewed traffic bearing surface.To prepare such preexisting pavement structures for application of anadditional, new pavement layer, a tack coat often is applied to thepreexisting pavement surface to encourage the adhesion and/or fusion ofthe new pavement material with the preexisting surface and/or structure.

In many instances, the bonding and/or slippage resistance provided by atack coat is important during the construction of the pavementstructure, as well as in the completed structure. As the pavement isconstructed, it is important to avoid dislocation of all or portions ofthe substrate layers as each successive layer is applied to form thestructure. Such damage can be significant at the edges of a roadway,which often are not compacted as well as in the middle of the roadway.In many applications, construction vehicles, or other vehicles arepermitted to travel over the partially constructed structure, which alsomay exert stress on the layers that have been applied to form theroadway causing slippage or shifting of the layers.

A tack or bonding coat also may be applied to a base or substrate layerin advance of the application of the next pavement layer. In themeantime, construction or other vehicles are expected to travel over thetack coat without significantly damaging or reducing the effectivenessof the coating. Such damage often occurs, however, when the tack orbonding coating is picked up on the tires or tracks of vehiclestraveling over the coated surface. Where this occurs, the asphaltcompositions often are tracked onto other pavement surfaces causingdisruption to the surrounding area. This tracking also reduces theeffectiveness of the tack coat by displacing a portion of the intendedvolume from the area awaiting a new pavement layer.

Insufficient adhesion between a new layer of pavement and an existingbase course, a previously laid pavement layer, or a prepared pavementsurface can cause pavement separation and cracking during constructionof the structure, as well as subsequent failures and prematuredeterioration of the pavement structure and/or surface. Such conditionsoften require costly repairs, can cause damage to vehicles traveling onthe surface and may cause dangerous traffic conditions threateningdamage to property and injury to vehicle passengers.

The tack coats typically used in the construction of asphaltic pavementstructures are asphalt containing compositions that are prepared as aliquid, flowable, fluid so that they can be effectively and efficientlyapplied and spread over a prepared base course or pavement surface. Suchasphalt bonding compositions can be liquefied in several ways, such asby heating above their melting temperatures, dissolution into solventsor volatile oils to form cutback asphalt compositions, and byemulsification with water. In the case of cutback asphalt compositions,the cutback becomes “cured” as solvents evaporate leaving the desiredasphalt composition.

To provide suitable bonding, tack coatings must provide an adhesive,tacky surface after the composition, emulsion or coating is cured tobond and/or fuse the pavement or pavement and base layers. The asphaltmaterials available for use in tack coats are commercially available indifferent standard grades, with different properties, based on theirviscosity, solids content, chemical composition, and othercharacteristics. One grading measure is the penetration or “pen” value.

The pen value is based on penetration testing where the relativehardness of the asphalt composition is determined at a predeterminedtemperature, typically about 77° F. (25° C.). One test uses methods suchas those described in ASTM D5 (ASTM International) and AASHTO T49(American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials).This test measures the distance in dmm (tenths of a millimeter) that astandard needle, under a standard loading, will penetrate a sample in agiven time under known temperature conditions. The resulting distance isoften referred to as the penetration or “pen” value.

Another common measure of asphalt compositions is the Ring and BallSoftening Point. This softening point test using methods, such as thosedescribed in ASTM D36 and/or AASHTO T53, measures the temperature atwhich an asphalt composition becomes soft and flowable. As used herein,pen values and softening point values are with reference to the aboveidentified ASTM and AASHTO methods or their equivalents.

Although not formally defined, typically hard (i.e. high melting point)asphalt compositions have pen values of about 40 dmm or less, withsoftening points greater than about 140° F. (60° C.). Such compositionsare often referred to as hard pen or low pen asphalt compositions.Asphalt compositions with pen values between about 40 dmm to about 100dmm, and with softening points between about 118° F. (48° C.) and about140° F. (60° C.), are typically referred to as medium, mid, or moderatepen asphalt compositions. Asphalt compositions with pen values greaterthan 100 dmm and with softening points less than 118° F. (48° C.) aretypically referred to as soft or high pen asphalt compositions.

The asphalt compositions often used to form asphalt emulsions for thepurposes of forming tack coats typically are soft or medium pen asphaltproducts. They typically have pen values greater than 40 dmm andsoftening points less than 140° F. (60° C.). When applied as a tackcoat, emulsions using such soft or medium pen asphalt compositionstypically provide a relatively sticky, tacky surface under ambienttemperature conditions in pavement construction environments. As aresult, such tack coats experience significant tracking problems, andmay not provide a durable bond between paving surfaces, particularly atelevated temperatures.

Hard pen asphalt compositions (i.e., penetration value of less thanabout 40 dmm and softening points greater than about 140° F. (60° C.))have not been used as tack coats in pavement construction due to theirhigh melting points, their limited flowability and very low surfacetackiness at ambient temperatures for pavement construction. Forexample, hard pen asphalt compositions often must be heated totemperatures as high as 400° F. (204° C.) before they becomesufficiently flowable to be applied by spreading or spraying, and willhave little, if any, surface tackiness when cooled to ambienttemperatures for pavement construction. It is normally impractical tomaintain hard pen asphalts at such high temperatures for application asa tack coat.

Hard pen asphalt compositions, in addition, are significantly moredifficult to emulsify than mid to high (i.e., medium to soft) penasphalt compositions. Because of their high melting temperatures, hardpen asphalt compositions typically must be heated to relatively hightemperatures prior to emulsification, thus often resulting inundesirable emulsion temperatures above the boiling point of water (212°F. (100° C.)). The use of such high temperatures can interfere with theemulsification process, often is impractical in preparing most asphaltcontaining emulsions, and frequently produces emulsions with undesirableparticulate contents and other defects. Additionally, hard pen asphaltemulsions often become unstable during storage and, therefore, must beused shortly after they are prepared. This also renders such productsimpractical as a tack coat in pavement construction.

Hard pen asphalt compositions and emulsions also have been used inapplications where a high melting point is desirable. For example, hardpen asphalt compositions have been used in roofing materials and certaintypes of asphalt containing sealing compositions. Hard pen asphaltemulsions also have been mixed with clays and sands for use as a sealcoating for the exposed surfaces of parking lots and the like.

As a result, cutback asphalts, asphalt emulsions using mid to soft penasphalts, and mid to soft pen asphalts alone are commonly employed astack coats for bonding asphaltic pavement materials to preexistingpavements, intermediate pavement courses, and base courses in newconstruction. Cutback asphalt tack coats typically included asphaltresidues in excess of 60% by weight of the total product combined withsolvents such as naphthas, kerosenes, oils or other such products tomaintain the asphalt compositions in a liquid, flowable condition. Theconventional asphalt emulsions typically included products with asphaltresidues in a range of from about 25% to 70% or greater by weight of thetotal product.

A number of difficulties, however, limit the utility of cutback asphaltsand conventional asphalt emulsions made with moderate or soft penasphalt compositions. Some such products can require a relatively longcure time (as long as 2 to 7 days or more) before traffic is permittedto pass over the treated area. Where the next pavement layer cannot belaid down immediately, the cured tack coat remains exposed for extendedperiods and remains tacky and sticky. Accordingly, vehicle traffic overthe treated surfaces often must be shut down until another layer ofpavement is applied, and if traffic is allowed to pass, the asphalt tackcoatings frequently adheres to the tires and tracks of vehiclestraveling over the coated surfaces. This frequently results in liftingand damage to the tack coat and undesirable tracking of the coating toother surfaces via the vehicle tires and tracks.

Damage to the tack coating can substantially interfere with the abilityof the coating to properly bond and/or fuse the pavement layers or basetogether. As a result, the pavement layers may slip or separate with thepassage of traffic over the structure and time. This type of damage alsomay permit water penetration into the pavement surface, which can resultin further deterioration due to freeze-thaw cycles or similar stresses.As a result, multiple applications of the tack coat may be required toobtain the desired adhesion between the pavement layers at a significantloss of efficiency and increase in cost. Furthermore, where the coatingsare tracked to other surfaces by vehicles, extensive cleanup may berequired adding to the expense of a project.

The use of conventional asphalts for tack coats, in addition, oftenrequires equipment adapted to maintain those products at an elevatedtemperature throughout the application procedure. Such equipment isoften expensive to operate and difficult to maintain, which increasesthe cost and reduces the efficiency of the asphalt tack coats. Also asit relates to cutback asphalt products specifically, they containvolatile solvents that can damage the environment and are released intothe atmosphere during the curing process. These volatile solvents inasphalt cutbacks further present safety issues during their storage andapplication. As a result, cutback asphalt products are, or could become,prohibited from general usage in many states.

Coal tar products made with the addition of various solvents may also beused as a bond coating between pavement layers. However, there are alsomany concerns with these tar products, such as the use of volatile andtoxic solvents, carcinogenic concerns, and relatively low melting pointsresulting in soft and tacky surfaces creating similar environmental andtracking problems as with the prior asphalt-containing coatings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method for supplying a low-tracking,adhesive tack coat capable of bonding together layers of a pavementstructure at ambient conditions for pavement construction, and, in oneaspect at temperatures of about 140° F. (60° C.) to about 170° F. (77°C.). In one aspect, the method comprises applying an asphalt emulsioncomposition, at ambient conditions for pavement construction, to asubstrate to produce a tack coating with a pen value(s) and a softeningpoint(s) in the range of hard pen asphalt compositions. In one suchaspect, the low tracking property of the tack coat is provided by a penvalue of about 40 dmm or less and a softening point greater than about140° F. (60° C.). The emulsion may be applied as a coating, spray, orother suitable delivery form in an amount sufficient to provide aneffective tack coat.

The tack coat of the invention provides a durable low tack surfacecapable of resisting damage from vehicle traffic or other sources. Thetack coat of the invention further softens, and may partially liquefy,when contacted by heated paving materials as such paving materials areapplied to the coating and substrate. At these elevated temperatures,the tack coating is sufficiently adhesive to bond asphalt-containing orother pavement layers together in a pavement structure. The bond betweenthe pavement layers may increase in strength as the structure coolsbelow the softening point of the tack coat, and the tack coat rehardens.In one aspect, the bond between the tack coat produced by the method ofthe invention is significantly stronger than the bond provided byconventional tack coats.

In another aspect, the method may be used for bonding asphaltic pavementlayers to a base or sub-base for a pavement structure in theconstruction of new pavement structures or may be used in rebuilding orrestoring existing pavement structures. In this aspect, the methodcomprises providing an amount of the emulsion composition for formingthe hard pen tack coat between at least one asphaltic pavement layer anda second pavement layer in an amount effective to form an adhesiveinterface between the layers upon heating of the hard pen coating by atleast one of the pavement layers to a temperature sufficient to softenthe hard pen coating.

In yet another aspect, the emulsion comprises at least a first phase ofa hard pen asphalt composition and a second phase of water. The emulsionmay contain emulsifiers, stabilizers, and/or additives to effectivelyemulsify and maintain the hard pen asphalt composition phase in asubstantially emulsified form. In another aspect, the emulsion comprisesat least a first phase of either a mid to soft pen asphalt and a secondphase of water, with polymeric, waxes, or other additives sufficient todecrease the pen value and increase the softening point of the appliedtack coat to the range of hard pen asphalt compositions, as well asemulsifiers, and/or stabilizers to effectively form and maintain theemulsion.

In this aspect of the method, the emulsion is applied as a coating,spray, or other suitable delivery form. The asphalt components and anypolymeric or other equivalent additives are selected to provide a lowtack surface at typical ambient condition for pavement construction, andan adhesive surface at temperatures exceeding about 170° F. (76° C.),such as those of newly applied asphaltic pavement layers.

In another aspect of the invention, the asphalt compositions used toform the asphalt phase of the emulsion are selected from hard penasphalts to provide an effective tack coat that cures after applicationto a durable surface capable of accepting vehicle traffic withoutsignificant tracking or damage to the coating relative to priorconventional tack coats. In this aspect, the cured coating furtherprovides sufficient adhesion between the pavement layers when heated bythe application of heated pavement materials and then cooled after thepavement materials are compacted to prevent substantial slippage orshifting of the applied pavement materials due to traffic, environmentalconditions, or other adverse conditions.

In yet another aspect, the asphalt composition of the first asphaltphase of the emulsion is selected from mid to soft pen asphalts, and thewater phase incorporates polymeric, wax, or other equivalent additivesthat act with the asphalt composition to provide a hard pen tack coat.In this aspect, the polymer or other additives are selected to alsoprovide a tack coat softening point effective to bond pavement layers atthe applicable paving temperatures.

In one aspect of the method, the composition of the emulsion, theemulsion application rate, and the amount of applied emulsion iseffective to form a tack coat that adheres and/or fuse asphalticmaterial to a roadway base or substrate. In this aspect, the asphaltcomposition of the asphalt phase and any additives are selected so thatthe emulsion cures to provide a low tack surface, typically in about 10minutes to one hour, depending on weather conditions (i.e., surfacetemperature, wind, humidity, exposure to direct sunlight, etc.).

In yet another aspect of the method, the first phase of the emulsioncomprises from about 30% to about 70% of a hard pen asphalt (orequivalent composition) based on the total weight of the emulsion. Inone such aspect, the hard pen asphalt composition selected for use inthe emulsion have pen values of about 5 dmm to about 15 dmm and asoftening point between 150° F. (66° C.) and 160° F. (71° C.). Theemulsion also comprises a second phase of water which provides fromabout 30% to about 70% of the total weight of the emulsion, as well asemulsifiers, stabilizers, and/or other additives in amounts of about0.1% to about 3% of the total weight of the emulsion.

In an alternative aspect, the first phase emulsion comprises from about30% to about 70% of asphalt compositions with pen values greater thanabout 40 dmm and softening points less than about 140° F. (60° C.). Theasphalt phase and/or water phase further are provided with up to about30% by weight of polymeric, waxes, or other additives in amountssufficient to form a cured tack coat from the emulsion with pen valuesbelow 40 dmm and softening points above about 140° F. (60° C.). In thisaspect, the balance of the emulsion comprises from about 30% to about70% by weight water, with from 0.1% to about 3% emulsifiers, stabilizersand other additives.

In one aspect, the emulsion is applied at a rate of from about 0.01 toabout 0.20 gal/sq. yd., (0.045 liters/sq. meter to 0.90 liters/sq.meter) and in another aspect from about 0.04 to about 0.08 gal/sq. yd(0.18 liters/sq. meter to 0.36 liters/sq. meter). In yet another aspect,the emulsion can be applied in multiple passes over the substrate layersat lower rates to achieve a comparable product, where the totalapplication rate is equal to the sum of the multiple passes and is fromabout 0.01 to about 0.20 gal/sq. yd., (0.045 liters/sq. meter to 0.90liters/sq. meter). The substrate layers may include soil, clay, sand,shell, cement, limestone, fly ash or mixtures thereof, and, in anotheraspect, the layers would comprise hot mix asphalt layers, a preexistingpaving surface, or a scraped, ground, or scored paving surface.

In another aspect, the method produces a low-tracking tack coat that maybe applied relatively easily to an existing substrate surface, which isboth very effective and cost efficient. In one aspect, the tack coatingdries relatively quickly, in about 5 to about 15 minutes, and in anotheraspect the tack coating cures in about 30 minutes to one hour, andresists cracking and separation from the existing base course. Theproperly cured base coat is resistant to damage by vehicle tires due totracking and pick up of the coating on the vehicle tires and tracks.Thus, the method permits a delay of hours, days, or even weeks betweenapplication of the tack coating and of the application of the secondpavement layer.

In yet another respect, when a heated pavement layer is laid down on thetack coat, heat from the pavement softens, and may re-liquefy, theasphalt composition of the coating, which becomes tacky and bonds orfuses the two layers together. This aspect of the method does notrequire the use of heated application appliances for the coating or theuse of large quantities of energy to maintain the coating at elevatedtemperatures during treatment of the base or prepared pavement.

In another aspect, emulsifying and/or stabilizing additives may beselected such that the emulsion of the method can be prepared attemperature conditions that are typically used for making soft andmoderate penetration asphalt emulsions. Due to the addition of suchemulsifying agents and stabilizers, the hard pen asphalt emulsion can beproduced at conventional temperatures and remains stable during storage.

In another aspect of the invention, a pavement structure is providedcomprising a first substrate layer, and one or more additional layers ofasphaltic or equivalent pavement materials, having the hard pen tackcoat disposed there between. In another such aspect, additional pavementlayers are added to the first pavement layer with the hard pen tack coatof the invention there between. In yet another aspect, the bond strengthbetween the substrate and first pavement layer, and between eachsubsequent paving layer, is greater than the bond strength between thesubstrate and first layer, and between each subsequent layer, of thepavement structure formed with conventional tack coats.

The method of the invention provides good adhesive strength and bondstrength between each layer of the pavement structure, so that thesurfaces of each layer resist slipping or sliding relative to oneanother. The method allows scheduling flexibility in laying down the newpavement layer, such that additional pavement layers may be applied at alater date after the emulsion is cured.

The use of the method for pavement maintenance and/or rejuvenationincreases the economic life of the pavement structure and, in someaspects, provides a better density at the pavement joints and throughoutthe pavement. Similarly, the method substantially eliminates the needfor large volumes of cutback or other products with significant amountsof solvents and thinners that endanger the environment or surroundingpersonnel when they are released during the curing process. In oneaspect of the invention, an analysis of the polycyclic aromatichydrocarbons released by the tack coat of the invention weresignificantly reduced relative to other, particularly cutback, tack coatproducts, and in some instances were virtually undetectable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One aspect of the method of the invention comprises the application ofan emulsion of a hard pen asphalt material, or an equivalent asdiscussed herein, to an existing base or substrate for a pavementstructure to provide a hard pen, low-tracking, adhesive tack coatbetween the existing substrate base and a new asphaltic pavement layer.In another aspect, the method provides for applying the tack coatsignificantly in advance of the application of the new substrate layerand, in some aspects, the method provides for application of the tackcoat from hours to months in advance of the application of the newpavement layer. The base or substrate layers may include soil, clay,sand, shell, cement, limestone, fly ash or mixtures thereof, as well asasphaltic materials and prepared preexisting surfaces of pavementstructures.

In one aspect of the method, the emulsion is prepared from an asphaltcomposition, water, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and/or other additives. Inthis aspect, the pen value of the asphalt composition component is lessthan about 40 dmm pen and possesses a softening point greater than about140° F. (60° C.). In another aspect, the pen value of the asphaltcomposition component is from about 5 dmm to about 15 dmm pen, with asoftening point between about 150° F. (66° C.) and about 160° F. (71°C.).

The emulsion may comprise at least a first asphalt phase and a secondphase of water, as well as emulsifying agents, and/or stabilizingadditives. The emulsion optionally may further include additivesproviding an anionic, cationic or neutral character to the finalemulsion. The pen value or range of values of the asphalt compositionproviding the first asphalt phase, and the emulsifiers, stabilizers, andadditives are selected so that the asphalt composition may be combinedwith the water phase at temperatures and under mixing conditions thatproduce a successful emulsion.

In one aspect, the emulsifier package includes emulsifiers suitable foruse with hard pen asphalt having pen values under 40 dmm such as thatavailable from Echo Star Science Technologies, Sacramento, Calif. Theemulsifiers and/or stabilizers maintain the asphalt material in a stablesuspension and control the breaking time, where the breaking time is therate at which asphalt materials separate from the water phase permittingthe evaporation of the water and forming the cured or set tack coating.The emulsifiers also may include surfactants, acid/base materials, etc.The stabilizers may include polycarboxylate polymers, preservatives,etc.

Other additives may include, but are not limited to, common polymerssuch as EVA, SBS, SB, SBR, SBR latex, waxes, polychloroprene, isoprene,polybutadiene, acrylic and acrylic copolymers, carbon reinforcedelastomers, ground tire rubber, and/or other elastomers and plastomersto assist in obtaining desired breaking rates for the emulsion andadhesion of the asphalt emulsion residue. Long term stabilizers and/orother additives that are beneficial for a particular application alsomay be incorporated in the emulsion.

In preparing the emulsion, the asphalt composition component is mixedwith water, emulsifiers, stabilizers and any other additives through ahigh-speed, high shear mechanical mixer, such as a colloid mill, orother equipment capable of emulsifying the concentrate constituents. Theasphalt composition component, water, emulsifiers, stabilizers, andother additives typically are heated to assist in the dispersion of theasphalt composition. In one aspect, the temperature of the finishedemulsion is maintained below about 212° F. (100° C.), and preferablyfrom about 160° F. (71° C.) to 210° F. (99° C.). The use of suchtemperatures avoids boiling of the water phase which interferes with theemulsification process.

In the above aspect of the emulsion, the contemplated weight percentageof the asphalt composition component in at least the first phase is fromabout 30% to about 70% of the total weight of the emulsion (as usedherein, all percentages are by weight). The water phase of the emulsion,in this aspect, comprises from about 30% to about 70% of the totalweight of the emulsion. The emulsifiers, stabilizers, and/or otheradditives comprise from about 0.1% to about 3.0% of the total emulsionweight, and preferably from about 0.5% to about 3.0% of the totalemulsion weight.

In an alternative form of the emulsion, the pen value of the asphaltcomposition is greater than about 40 dmm pen and possesses a softeningpoint less than about 140° F. (60° C.), and may be in the range of midor soft pen asphalt compositions (or mixtures thereof). In this form,the emulsion contains polymeric, waxes, or other equivalent additivesthat provide a final cured tack coat with a pen value(s) less than about40 dmm pen and a softening point(s) greater than about 140° F. (60° C.).Examples of such polymeric additives are EVA, SBS, SB, SBR, SBR latex,polychloroprene, isoprene, polybutadiene, acrylic and acryliccopolymers, and other equivalent additives that produce the hard pencharacteristics of the final cured tack coat.

This form of the emulsion also includes emulsifiers and stabilizers, andmay include other additives to provide the desired handling and breakingcharacteristics. The polymeric additives, equivalents thereof,emulsifiers, stabilizers, and/or other additives in this form of theemulsion comprise about 0.1% to about 30.0% of the total weight of theemulsion.

In the form of the emulsion using mid to soft pen asphalt compositions,the above mentioned polymeric additives may be added to the first phasecomprising the mid to soft pen asphalt, or alternatively the polymersmay be added to the second water phase of the emulsion. The contemplatedweight percentages of the asphalt composition component may comprisefrom about 30% to about 70% of the total weight of the emulsion and thewater phase of the emulsion comprises from about 30% to about 70% of thetotal weight of the emulsion.

In one aspect of the method, the final emulsion is prepared by mixing aconcentrate emulsion containing the first asphalt composition component,the emulsifiers, stabilizers and any other additives and water. In thisaspect, sufficient water is added to the concentrate to provide thedesired asphalt composition and/or additive content in the finalemulsion. In one example of this approach, the concentrate is providedwith an asphalt composition component comprising about 36% to about 70%of the total weight of the emulsion. The water phase of the emulsion, inthis aspect, comprises from about 30% to about 64% of the total weightof the emulsion. The emulsifiers, stabilizers, and/or other additivescomprise from about 0.1% to about 3.0% of the total emulsion.

The final emulsion using the concentrate comprising about 36% to about70% asphalt composition may be mixed with an amount of water to provide100 parts concentrate to 20 parts water. In such a final emulsion, theasphalt composition component comprises about 30% to about 58% by weightof the final emulsion. The water component comprises about 70% to about42% of the final emulsion. In such an emulsion, the ratio of the hardpen asphalt composition to water in the final emulsion is from about1:2.33 to about 1:0.7. In another example, the asphalt compositioncomponent comprises about 65% of the concentrate and sufficient water isadded to provide a final emulsion comprised of about 32% to about 55% ofthe asphalt composition component.

As discussed above, the final emulsion having such ratios of hard penasphalt to water also may be prepared directly from the constituents,rather than from a concentrate. The emulsion should remain stable duringstorage and typically may be stored for about 14 days, depending on theconstituents. Some settling may occur, but a light (simple) agitation ofthe emulsion usually re-disperses asphalt into the concentrate.

The specific ratio of the first hard pen asphalt phase to the secondwater phase in the final emulsion chosen for a particular applicationwill depend on factors such as the composition of the preexistingpavement or the base course materials and conditions, the number ofplanned applications; the desired cure time, and user agency regulationsand/or specifications. Similarly, the emulsifiers, stabilizers, andother additives may be adjusted for specific application conditions,asphaltic materials, and substrates.

As mentioned above, the final emulsion is formulated such that, afterproper application, the final coating possesses a maximum penetration ofabout 40 dmm and a minimum softening point of about 140° F. (60° C.) andin some aspects, from about 5 dmm to about 20 dmm with a softening pointof about 150° F. (66° C.) to about 160° F. (71° C.). The asphaltcomposition grades used in the emulsion may be further defined by theupper end values of the Performance Grade (PG) values of the StrategicHighway Research Program (SHRP).

The asphalt composition grades may comprise about PG-91 upper end value(about 5 pen) to about PG-82 upper end value (an upper end value ofabout 40 pen) or their equivalents, and/or combinations thereof, and insome aspects from a PG-91 upper end value to a PG-85 (about 20 pen)upper end value. The asphalt composition component typically includesmixtures of asphalt (asphaltenes, maltenes and/or mixtures of otherasphaltic components), residual emulsifier(s), and/or additives thatwould provide properties similar to asphalt grades possessing apenetration value under 40 dmm and a softening point greater than 140°F. (60° C.).

The properties of one aspect of the emulsion of the invention are asfollows in the chart below describing the properties of the finalemulsion and the hard pen asphalt tack coat. The test protocols arethose described by the referenced standards published by ASTM,International (“ASTM”); the American Association of State Highway andTransportation Officials (“AASHTO”), and the Federal HighwayAdministration (“FHWA”). The examples provided below are only forillustrative purposes, and alternative formulations also may be used inthe method of the inventions:

Property Test Minimum Maximum EMULSION PROPERTIES Saybolt Furol ASTM D88About 25 — Viscosity Seconds @ 77° F. (25° C.) Storage Stability, 24ASTM D244 — About 1 hours, % by mass Storage Stability, 5 ASTM D244 —About 5 days, % by mass Residue by ASTM D86 About 30 — Evaporation, % bymass Naphtha Content, % ASTM D86 — About 1 by mass Sieve Test, % by —About 0.15 mass Fuel Resistance ASTM D3370 PASS TACK COAT PROPERTIESPenetration, 77° F. ASTM D5 About 1 About 40 (25° C.), 100 g, 5 sec. dmmR&B Softening ASTM D36 140° F. — Point Range (60° C.) Residue by ASTMD86 About 30 — Distillation % by mass Original Binder AASHTO T315 1 —DSR; G*/Sind @ 180° F. (82° C.)

As previously discussed, the final emulsion may be prepared in advanceof its application or at a work site immediately before its application.In another aspect, it is possible to mix the concentrate with water at arate sufficient to produce the desired final emulsion on a continuousbasis during the application step using metering and mixing equipmentknown to those skilled in the art.

In the application step of the method, the hard pen asphalt finalemulsion may be applied by hand spreading in one aspect, and in otheraspects using conventional spreading or spraying equipment, or othercomparable equipment. In one aspect, an effective amount of the emulsionmay be obtained at a rate of about 0.01 to about 0.20 gal/sq. yd.,(about 0.045 to 0.90 liters/sq. meter), and in one case an applicationrate of about 0.04 to about 0.08 gal/sq. yd. (about 0.18 to 0.36liters/sq. meter) also may be used. In yet another aspect, the emulsioncan be applied in multiple passes over the substrate layers at lowerrates to achieve a comparable product, where the total application rateis equal to the sum of the multiple passes and is from about 0.01 toabout 0.20 gal/sq. yd., (0.045 liters/sq. meter to 0.90 liters/sq.meter). For example, an emulsion may be applied in three passes over thesubstrate layer at application rates of about 0.01 gal/sq. yd. each, ora total application rate of about 0.03 gal/sq. yd. The rate ofapplication of the emulsion may vary depending on the specifiedapplication conditions, composition of the emulsion, the surface towhich it is applied, and the nature of the permanent materials and/orbase that comprise the pavement structure, and other similar factors.

In one aspect, the temperature during application of the hard penemulsion is from about 140° F. (60° C.) to about 180° F. (82° C.), andin another aspect from about 165° F. (74° C.) to about 175° F. (80° C.).Alternatively, the emulsion coat may be applied at ambient temperature(e.g. about 68° F. to 77° F. (about 20° C. to 25° C.)), which may affectthe curing time of the emulsion. The emulsion typically is placeddirectly on top of the exposed surface of the existing prepared surfaceor base course and is allowed to cure before traffic passes over thecoated surface or an additional layer of pavement is applied to thetreated surface.

The applied hard pen final emulsion typically cures in about 15 minutesto about 45 minutes, and may cure as rapidly as about 5 to about 15minutes after the emulsion is applied to the exposed surface of theprepared surface or base course. The cure rate will depend on theapplication rate, the dilution ratios used, the base course conditions,the weather, and other similar considerations. If the prepared pavementsurface or base course contains excess moisture, the curing time of theemulsion may be increased.

After the tack coating is cured, traffic may be permitted to pass overthe roadway or paving materials may then be applied to the base course.The hard pen tack coating creates a durable, low tack (and in someinstances no tack) surface, and as such it restricts tracking to othersurfaces via vehicle tires or treads.

In another aspect of the method, a layer of pavement materials isapplied to the tack coated surface after the hard pen asphalt emulsionhas cured. The pavement materials suitable for use in this aspect of themethod are applied at elevated temperatures sufficient to heat theexposed surface of the coating to a temperature greater than about 140°F. (60° C.) when the pavement materials are applied to the coatedsubstrate surface. In one example, conventional hot mix asphalt pavingmaterials are applied at elevated temperatures such as about 212° F.(100° C.) to 350° F. (177° C.), and, also may be in excess of about 280°F. (138° C.). After the paving materials are applied, they are compactedor otherwise pressed in place in preparation for the next paving courseor finishing of the traffic bearing surface of the structure.

Without being limited to one theory for the success of the invention, atsuch temperatures, it is believed that the layer of heated pavingmaterials softens, and in some aspects, liquefies the hard pen tack coatto form an adhesive interface between the pavement layer and substrate(or between pavement layers) to bind and/or fuse the pavement layer andsubstrate together when the tack coat rehardens, normally by cooling.When the new pavement layer cools and hardens, as discussed above, thehard pen asphalt residue layer also cools and hardens to form aneffective bond between the layers.

It also is believed that when compaction occurs, the pavement and/orbase layers may become interlocked with the tack coat. Thus, thecomplete pavement structure or substructure is provided with a strongbond which inhibits, and in some aspects prevents, the movement orseparation of the pavement layers.

Thus, the method of the invention provides a multi-layer pavementstructure with hard pen asphaltic tack coat/binder between each layer.As also discussed below, the bonding between layers of such structurescan be superior to paving structures made using conventional tack coatsand cutback asphalt tack coats. The structure provided by the method ofthe invention may include a substrate and one or more asphalt or otherpaving layers with a tack coat between the substrate and first pavinglayer, and between subsequent layers. The structure of the inventionalso may comprise multiple layers of new or existing paving surfaces,with the tack coat therebetween. It may include an existing pavingsurface that is treated, grooved or otherwise prepared to receive one ormore layers of paving materials.

In view of the air pollution/quality issues of concern with conventionalemulsion and cut-back products, the undesirable polycyclic aromatichydrocarbon (PAH) levels produced by one example of an asphaltcomposition component used in the emulsion of the invention wasmeasured, which provides an estimate of the PAH levels produced by theset or cured emulsion after application to a suitable surface. Themeasurements were made of a grade of asphalt with a penetration value ofabout 20 dmm. The tests were conducted by DHL Analytical, Round Rock,Tex., using a method referenced as Method SW8270C.

The PAH's from this sample were undetectable under those criterion for16 of the 19 of the tested PAH's and were well within the acceptablelevels for the remaining three PAH's (2-Fluorobiphenyl, 81.9;4-Terphyl-d14, 66.1; and Nitrobenzene-d5, 80.0; where the acceptablerange was 40-140). These results were superior to conventional tack coatemulsion and cutback products. The PAH levels, of course, will depend onthe specific composition of the emulsion used to form the tack coat.

EXAMPLES

One example of the method was used to form a tack coat by applying theemulsion of the invention using a 13 dmm pen asphalt, comprising about33% by weight of the emulsion. The emulsion was applied at a rate of0.03 gal/sq. yd. (0.135 liters/sq. meter) to a first layer of asphalticpavement material and was covered by a second layer of asphalticpavement material. The asphalt emulsion sample was identified as TT(Trackless tack).

A conventional MS (medium set) emulsion also was applied at the samerate to the first asphaltic layer and covered by the second layer ofasphaltic materials. The MS emulsion contained a minimum 50 dmm penasphalt that comprised at least about 62% of the emulsion. Core sampleswere taken from each portion of the pavement structure and tested forthe shear force required to separate the layers apart, and the bondstrength between layers was calculated. The test results for both typesof tack coats are listed below:

TABLE 1 Shear Force to Core Diameter Separate Layers Bond StrengthSample (in) Area (in²) (lbs) (psi) Tack Coat Formed By Medium Set (MS)Emulsion MS-1 5.95 27.81 1440 51.8 MS-2 5.94 27.69 1920 69.3 MS-3 5.9527.84 2080 74.7 MS-4 5.95 27.81 1840 66.2 MS-5 5.95 27.81 2020 72.6 MS-65.96 27.85 3070 110.2 MS-7 5.95 27.81 2540 91.4 Average 5.95 27.80 213076.6 Tack Coat Formed By Improved Method TT-1 5.94 27.75 2790 100.5 TT-25.95 27.81 2360 84.9 TT-3 5.95 27.79 2200 79.2 TT-4 5.95 27.81 1800 64.7TT-5 5.95 27.81 2300 82.7 TT-6 5.95 27.81 2980 107.2 TT-7 5.95 27.782020 72.7 Average 5.95 27.79 2350 84.6

Accordingly, Table 1 represents a relative comparison of the two tackcoats based on using the same asphalt conditions for application of theemulsions. Different results may be obtained when different asphaltsand/or conditions are used, however, the general relative outcome forthe two types of methods should be very similar.

In another example, the method of the invention was used to form a tackcoat by applying the emulsion of the invention using a 13 dmm penasphalt, comprising about 37% by weight of the emulsion. The emulsionwas applied at a rate of 0.03 gal/sq. yd. (0.135 liters/sq. meter) to afirst layer of an asphaltic pavement material and was covered by asecond layer of asphaltic pavement material.

A conventional RS (rapid set) emulsion also was applied to the firstasphaltic layer at the same rate and covered by the second pavementlayer. The asphalt in the RS emulsion was a minimum of about 60 dmm pencomprising at least about 62% of the emulsion. The bond created by theRS emulsion between the layers also was tested. Core samples were takenfrom the pavement structure after the passage of similar curing timesand tested for the force required to shear the layers apart, and thebond strength between layers was calculated. The test results for bothtypes of tack coats is listed below:

TABLE 2 Interface Tack Type Core ID PSI Condition RS 1-1 70 Wet 1-2 121Damp 1-3 116 Damp 1-4 87 Wet 1-5 105 Wet 1-6 95 Wet Tack Coat Formed 2-161 Wet By Improved 2-2 188 Dry Method 2-3 178 Dry 2-4 178 Dry 2-5 161Dry 2-6 150 Dry Average Tack Type PSI RS (Section 1) 99 Improved Method153 Difference between Types 54

Accordingly, this data confirms the increased bonding and curing timeproduced by the method of the invention.

While the invention has been described by reference to certain specificdescriptive examples which illustrate preferred materials andconditions, it is understood that the invention is not limited thereto.Rather, the invention includes all alternatives, modifications andequivalents within the scope of this disclosure.

1. A method for bonding a layer of asphalt pavement material to asubstrate layer, the method comprising: providing an emulsion comprisingat least a first phase which includes an asphalt composition, a secondphase comprising water, and emulsifying and stabilizing additives, theasphalt composition in the emulsion effective for providing a coatinghaving a penetration value less than about 40 dmm and a softening pointgreater than about 140° F. (60° C.) when applied to the substrate layerand cured; applying the emulsion to an exposed surface of the substratelayer in an amount which is sufficient to provide a coating on theexposed surface of the substrate layer, the coating and emulsionincluding an amount of the asphalt composition effective to bond theasphalt pavement layer to the substrate layer; providing heated asphaltpavement material to provide the asphalt pavement layer, the asphaltpavement material heated to a temperature sufficient to soften thecoating on the substrate layer to form a bonding surface on an exposedsurface of the coating; applying the heated asphalt pavement material tothe exposed coating surface to form the asphalt pavement layer and tosoften the exposed coating surface forming a bond between the asphaltpavement layer and the substrate layer.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the asphalt composition has a penetration rating of lessthan or equal to about 15 dmm, and a softening point temperature of atleast about 150° F. (66° C.).
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the firstphase comprises from about 30% to about 70% asphalt composition, basedupon the total weight of the emulsion.
 5. The method of claim 1 whereinthe second phase comprises from about 30% to about 70% of the totalweight of the emulsion.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the emulsifyingagent further comprises stabilizers, additives, and polymers, andcomprises from about 0.1% to about 30% of the total weight of theemulsion.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the emulsion is applied tothe substrate layer in an amount of about 0.01 to about 0.20 gallons persquare yard.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the emulsion is applied tothe existing substrate layer at a temperature of about 140° F. to about180° F.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the emulsion is applied to thesubstrate layer at temperatures not exceeding about 212° F. (100° C.).10. The method of claim 1 wherein the heated asphalt pavement materialis heated to a temperature sufficient to heat the exposed surface of thecoating to a temperature greater than about 140° F. (60° C.) when thepavement material is applied to the coated substrate layer.
 11. Themethod of claim 9 wherein the heated asphalt pavement material is a hotmix asphalt heated to a temperature greater than at least about 212° F.(100° C.).
 12. The method of claim 1 wherein the asphalt composition ofthe first phase is selected to provide cure time of the emulsion fromabout 5 to about 60 minutes; and the coating applied to the substratelayer is allowed to cure for at least the cure time to form a trafficbearing surface before the heated asphalt pavement material is appliedto the substrate.
 13. The method of claim 1 wherein the emulsion isprepared at a temperature of less than about 212° F. (100° C.). 14.(canceled)
 15. The method of claim 1 wherein additives are added to thefirst phase to effect a penetration value of less than about 40 dmm tothe coating and the additives are polymeric compositions selected fromthe group consisting of EVA, SBS, SB, SBR, SBR latex, waxes,polychloroprene, isoprene, polybutadiene, acrylic and acryliccopolymers.
 16. A method for forming a low-tracking tack coating capableof bearing traffic without significant loss of bonding strength on asubstrate layer, the method comprising: providing an emulsion comprisingat least a first phase which includes an asphalt composition, a secondphase which includes water, an emulsifier and a stabilizer, the asphaltcomposition in the emulsion effective for providing a coating having apenetration value less than about 40 dmm and a softening point greaterthan about 140° F. (60° C.) when applied to the substrate and cured, thefirst phase comprising from about 30% to about 70% of the total weightof the emulsion; applying the emulsion to an exposed surface of thesubstrate layer in an amount which is sufficient to provide a coating onthe exposed surface of the substrate layer, the coating and the emulsionincluding an amount the asphalt composition effective to bond to thesubstrate layer; and exposing the coating to the atmosphere for a timesufficient to cure and provide the low-tracking tack coating.
 17. Themethod of claim 16 wherein the asphalt composition comprises an asphaltcomposition with a penetration rating less than about 40 dmm and asoftening point above about 140° F. (60° C.) when applied to thesubstrate layer and cured.
 18. (canceled)
 19. The method of claim 17wherein the first phase comprises from about 30% to about 70% asphaltcomposition, based upon the total weight of the emulsion.
 20. The methodof claim 17 wherein the second phase comprises from about 30% to about70% of the total weight of the emulsion.
 21. The method of claim 17wherein the emulsifying agent comprises stabilizers, additives, andpolymers, and comprises from about 0.1% to about 30% of the total weightof the emulsion.
 22. The method of claim 17 wherein the emulsion isapplied to the substrate layer in an amount of rate of about 0.01 toabout 0.20 gallons per square yard.
 23. The method of claim 16 whereinthe emulsion is applied to the substrate layer at temperatures notexceeding about 212° F. (100° C.).
 24. The method of claim 16 whereinafter the coating is cured and has been exposed to vehicular traffic, aheated asphalt pavement material is applied to the exposed surface ofthe coating at a temperature sufficient to heat the coating to atemperature greater than about 140° F. (60° C.) and effective to softenthe coating surface to provide a bonding interface between the asphaltpavement material and the coated substrate after cooling.
 25. The methodof claim 24 wherein the asphalt pavement material is a hot mix asphaltheated to a temperature greater than at least about 212° F. (100° C.).26. The method of claim 16 wherein the asphalt composition in the firstphase is selected to provide cure time of the emulsion from about 5 toabout 60 minutes; and the coating applied to the substrate layer isallowed to cure for at least the cure time before the pavement layer isapplied to the substrate to form a traffic bearing surface. 27.(canceled)
 28. The method of claim 27 wherein additives are added to thefirst phase to effect a penetration value of less than about 40 dmm tothe coating and the additives are polymeric compositions selected fromat least the group of EVA, SBS, SB, SBR, SBR latex, waxes,polychloroprene, isoprene, polybutadiene, acrylic and acryliccopolymers.
 29. A pavement structure comprising a substrate layercomprising a paving material selected from the group consisting ofasphalt, soil, clay, sand, shell, cement, limestone, fly ash andmixtures thereof, at least one layer of asphalt paving material, and atleast one bonding layer between the substrate layer and the asphaltpaving material layer, the bonding layer formed from an application ofan emulsion having at least a first phase comprising an asphaltcomposition, a second phase comprising water, and an emulsifier and astabilizer, the asphalt composition selected to provide the bondinglayer with a penetration value less than about 40 dmm and a softeningpoint greater than about 140° F. (60° C.) when cured. 30-38. (canceled)